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Part-Time Traveler

Find your balance of travel and home.

Home » At Home » What’s Next for Part-Time Traveler? A Behind-the-Scenes Look

What’s Next for Part-Time Traveler? A Behind-the-Scenes Look

July 15, 2014 At Home

Analysis paralysis: also known as: overthinking, too many ideas without implementation, a cruel close relative of perfectionism, and…the reason I haven’t written on this blog consistently.

le penseur, the thinker - musee rodin“Le Penseur” (or, “The Thinker) – Auguste Rodin, Musée Rodin. Paris, France.
(Which may be my favorite museum on the planet.)

I often read social media and blogging advice online, and whenever I come upon “how to get ideas for content” or “brainstorm 100 posts in one hour” I think, do people actually have this problem?!  I have the opposite issue.  If you could see my drafts folder – meaning the number of blog posts I’ve started and not finished – or my Evernote notebook where I keep a running list of writing ideas, you would likely be paralyzed too.
Enough.
As someone who has struggled with finding her “path,” (hello, quarter-life crisis!) I admire this quote:
you will recognize your own path when you come upon it A lack of energy and creativity is not my problem. Nothing excites me more than the ‘before’ and ‘after’ of blogging. I love stumbling upon ideas, even outlining them!  And I love putting something out there that connects me to you: the awesome reader on the other side of this screen. It’s the part in the middle, the part when I have to sit down and let the words flow without my internal editor nixing one after the other, that I struggle with.
As a result, I’ve only been posting when:

a) I feel a surge of inspiration

b) I have the time <– who does?

c) Some combination of the above.

Since I’m always thinking about and applying lessons I’ve learned from travel, I realized: we don’t get a break from the road.  Day after day, even when we’d rather not be sitting in the back of a pickup truck in the dust and hot sun, when we would trade our left arm for a good, insect-free night in our own beds…we travel on.
And if there was one thing confirmed at my most recent gathering of bloggers, it’s that this blog thing is a lot of work. There is so much time, sweat, and yes, maybe even some tears, that goes into every single post.  Often it’s without much (or any) recognition or pay.  (So, hug your favorite blogger today?)
I need to stop blogging only when it’s comfortable and convenient.  The best things in life, even those (like travel) so that we so passionately and thoroughly enjoy, are not ever restricted solely to select moments of divine inspiration.
It’s about showing up.  With so many things in life, most of all it’s just about showing up!  Buy that plane ticket and take that trip.  Train for that race, form that strong personal bond, write that post…you’ve got to show up.  And not just once – but over and over, even (especially) when you don’t feel like it.
My commitment to producing quality content (as opposed to rushing to post something I’m not proud of just to stay consistent…) will not waver. As part of my effort to stay accountable to this “showing up,” I’m sharing a bit of what I have planned for you, dear reader:

What’s Next for Part-Time Traveler

  • New Itineraries

    • Coming soon: Vietnam
  • Food Guides

    • Coming soon: New Orleans
  • Global Kitchen Adventures + Recipes

    • Coming soon: Chicken Adobo (Philippines)
  • Balancing Home with Travel

    • Coming soon: How Travel Helped Me Knock Perfectionism
  • San Francisco (My Home!)

    • Coming soon: Apartment Hunting in SF and My Apartment Tour!
  • Continuing the Photo Series “Take Me To…” including new short spotlights on a city or place

    • Coming soon: Venice in Black + White
  • Prioritizing Travel

    •  Coming soon: Maximizing Your Vacation Time for International Travel

I’m also crafting a follow-up to my most popular post to date – tentatitvely titled ’20 More Lessons Learned From Travel’ (because every day I realize more!) Essentially I’d like to welcome you back to my little corner of the Internet and give you a preview of what will be coming your way.
I invite you subscribe to the forthcoming monthly Part-Time Travel Newsletter.
Or follow along on Twitter // Instagram // Facebook (your choice!)  (Hint: I tend to share curated articles and random thoughts on Twitter, my favorite travel + SF photos on Instagram, and daily inspiration + posts on Facebook.)

Is there something you’d like to see more of that’s not listed here? What would be most helpful to you to see on Part-Time Traveler in the future? I love hearing from you. Anne Signature sagrada familia face

Another, perhaps less well known, thinker – closeup at La Sagrada Familia. Barcelona, Spain. 
(Another one of my favorite places in the whole world!)

P.S. You may also be wondering about my next trip.  Another reason to stay tuned… 🙂

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Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Comments

  1. Jenny @ A Thing For Wor(l)ds says

    July 15, 2014 at 8:57 am

    SO EXCITED that so much fresh new content is on its way. I’m already drooling over the chicken adobo recipe (make it for me?). Also could not agree more, HUG YOUR FAVORITE BLOGGER TODAY!!
    I think it’s great, though, that you took a break from writing instead of putting out half-assed content. That takes some real foresight and restraint. You’re an awesome blogger and I can’t wait to continue following along on your part time travels!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 15, 2014 at 9:17 am

      Every time you leave a rockin’ comment on my blog, I will make you something yummy (and we will photograph it.) Deal? 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lindsay @ Frugal Frolicker says

    July 15, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    YES!! It’s SO about showing up. I’ve learned over the years that when you want to do something, but then you kinda sorta don’t feel like doing it – JUST DO IT. You’ll regret not doing it more than you will doing it. Like working out when you’re tired, or meeting up with a friend after a long day of work when it’d be so much easier to just skip it all. Or, you know, actual blog-related things 😛
    Also, cheers to quality > quantity. If we apply that to all aspects of life, blogging should be no different, eh? 🙂

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 15, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      Lindsay!! Those are two of the greatest examples – working out and meeting up with friends. SAY YES and then SHOW UP! We rarely regret it when we do. It’s time to stop doing what’s easy and start doing what brings joy and meaning to our lives, even when the process isn’t quite comfortable…
      P.S. Quality > quantity is one of my FAVORITE things in life, across anything and everything.

      Reply
  3. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    July 15, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Great post Anne! I am really looking forward to your upcoming posts. I am working on consistency and have decided on 2-3 posts per week!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 15, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Get it girl! Thanks for reading and for holding me accountable! I promise to do the same 🙂

      Reply
    • Anne says

      July 15, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      PS I think I’ve told you this, but your avatar is adorable.

      Reply
  4. Brad Bernard says

    July 15, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    I have the same problem… Too many ideas, not enough time. I post when I have time, I’m sure all of my awesome readers on that side of the screen have gotten frustrated and left by now.
    I love your style, it is very authentic. I can’t wait to read more, especially Venice in Black + White… Now that’s travel porn!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 16, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Brad, you make travel blogs exciting again. Keep posting and we’ll keep reading (me included!) You’re crazy and it is amazing.
      Thank you for the kind words and for reading! I hope you enjoy my next post over a hot mug of Ganges tea. 😛

      Reply
  5. Bruna says

    July 15, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    Hey dear Anne! So glad to know about what is coming! Can’t wait to see all that new content….
    I’ve said it once, but I will always say it: you are an inspiration to me! Both as a blogger an mostly as the courageous person that you are! Keep blogging and traveling, girl!
    Kisse from Brazil (actually, I am in Colombia right now, lol)
    Bruna 🙂

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 15, 2014 at 9:23 pm

      Hi Bruna! Thank you so much my dear! Meeting you on the road was a highlight of my travels. I hope we get the chance to travel again together someday soon.
      AND I’m SO excited for your upcoming journey. You equally inspire me with your insistence on chasing after what is truly important to you. Chat soon, and I must visit Brazil!
      XO!

      Reply
  6. Amber says

    July 16, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    I love that you gave a list of “coming soon” – it is a great way to hold yourself accountable.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 16, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks, Amber! I’d love to preview what’s coming next for you…loving your food posts!

      Reply
  7. Alex, Speaking Denglish says

    July 17, 2014 at 4:35 am

    I’ve fallen into the same rut — blogging only when I feel inspired enough and have time, with too many drafts getting no attention. That is a great way to look at it and I need to remember that if I enjoy my blog so much, why am I putting efforts into other things I enjoy less and are less fulfilling?

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 17, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      Well said, Alex! I spend precious time doing things that are certainly not as fulfilling, you’re right. It’s all about removing those self-imposed barriers to writing and just sitting down and making it happen. Look forward to reading your posts.

      Reply
  8. Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says

    July 17, 2014 at 4:56 am

    I can’t wait to read your upcoming posts and not just because I’m obsessed with New Orleans food.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 17, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Aww thanks, Mindi! NOLA food would be enough to make me want to read anything. Haha. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kristin says

    July 23, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    This is awesome and it’s making me feel motivated! More recipes! I love a combination of lifestyle/at home blogging with travel. We can’t all be permanent nomads so it suits your site!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 24, 2014 at 10:47 am

      Indeed! I love your perspective and ideas. More recipes to follow 🙂 Lord knows I cook enough! I need to share!

      Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    August 10, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    I can definitely relate to this! I have so many draft blog posts that sit unfinished. I make endless lists of things I want to write about but I don’t set aside time to actually do it.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 10, 2014 at 3:02 pm

      Story of MY LIFE, girl! I’m working on being better at this. We should co-work together in the city sometime!

      Reply

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I’m Anne! I spend part of my time traveling the world and the other part living in my soul city, San Francisco.

I have a love for all things travel. I also have a love for nesting. I do NOT believe the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you seek that balance…you’ve come to the right place.

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Factoring in a little one has both changed and rei Factoring in a little one has both changed and reinforced how I travel. For so long accommodations have been “just a place to sleep” for me, so I could prioritize my time and money elsewhere.

Now, whether it’s nap schedules or simply the ability for my husband and I to relax longer on a given afternoon, it’s great to be able to experience a destination right from the front step (or even better, from bed.) 🌄

What’s stayed the same, of course, is that a change of place and pace is incredibly restorative and energizing — and you don’t have to go far to get that.

Thank you to @innabovetide for the perfect weekend stay right on the bay. It was just what our family needed 🤍 #parttimetraveler #sausalito #besthotels
Thinking back to my last trip before taking my nex Thinking back to my last trip before taking my next one (with baby!) and wishing I could transport here for a cornetto and cappuccino ☕️

Meanwhile, please send any and all tips for traveling with a five-month-old. (Also, send coffee. All the coffee.)
—
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After the rain. 🌁 #alwaysSF #goldengatebridge After the rain.
🌁 

#alwaysSF #goldengatebridge
Walks around the city look a bit different these d Walks around the city look a bit different these days 🤍

It’s been three months now since I became a mama. It’s the single greatest life transition I’ve ever undergone.

The amount of love I have for my son is immeasurable. But being a new mother is not easy — no matter how well you heal, how much (or really, how little) you sleep, or how much you love your babe. For me it is humbling how challenging it can be and, at the same time, how happy it can make you.

Mamas, I see you. What a profound thing it is to care for a new life.
—
#citybaby #fourthtrimester #newmama
Mendocino moments ✨ Just a few hours drive up t Mendocino moments ✨

Just a few hours drive up the coast from SF, being here always feels like a breath of fresh air (maybe because it is?) The redwood-lined drive in alone puts me instantly at ease. (Balm for this tired new mama’s soul.) 

Even better we were able to visit with baby and dog in tow 🤍 Have you been? 

Don’t miss walking the trail along the headlands, hiking, biking, or canoeing Big River, and the wonderfully fresh seafood and/or produce.

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Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a mere six weeks ago and he is everything 🤍

His name means “bringer of light” and he is the light of our lives. And while we are currently cocooning in the comfort of our family and our home, I can’t wait to take him on adventures and show him the beauty of this world.
One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend bot One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend both city hall weddings and marrying your favorite person. 15/10, would marry again (I’d choose you over and over and over.)
📷: @amandaweiphoto 

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Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a mother as long as I can remember. I stand here, in the final weeks before birth, in some pain and discomfort (the end of pregnancy is no joke,) but mostly in awe of the female body and this experience of growing a life that’s about to enter this world. 

We are beyond excited to meet you, little  one!✨#37weekspregnant #selfportrait #maternityphotos #almostbabytime
Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot less part-time travel and a lot more…full-time homebody. I haven’t shared much about my own house in San Francisco, but perhaps it’s time for that to change!

My husband and I merged existing furniture and styles before we were even in this space. And as we prepare to welcome baby, the nesting urge is strong (plus we’ll be spending even more time in our home!) So it feels like a good time to refresh our space to suit both of us cohesively.

Although I already had a plan in mind for the nursery design, when @thehavenly reached out to work together I knew our living room, the heart of our home, could use some fine tuning. I’ve independently used them before to affordably design our home office (soon-to-be nursery or I’d share!) and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to be a #Havenly ambassador. 

I’m working 1:1 with a talented designer now (stay tuned!) and will also share a 25% off discount soon if you’d like to do the same. They also have a fun design quiz (linked in bio) to help you figure out your style. 
More to come! 💛
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